USA

ByCompiled from wire service reports by Robert Kilborn and Ross AtkinApril 12, 2005

John Bolton, President Bush's controversial nominee for US ambassador to the UN, told a Senate confirmation hearing that the world body has both "strengths and weaknesses," but pledged that if approved, he would "work with all" to build a stronger and more effective organization. Prior to his appearance, several leading Democratic members of the Foreign Relations Committees proclaimed their opposition to his selection, citing his past blunt criticisms of the UN as problematic. A vote on nomination could occur Thursday.

A prominent Republican added his voice to those of Democratic lawmakers who question the conduct of House majority leader Tom DeLay of Texas. DeLay has been dogged for months by questions of possible ethical lapses raised by Democratic activists and interest groups. On Sunday, US Rep. Christopher Shays (R) of Connecticut told the Associated Press that the controversy is "hurting any Republican who is up for reelection." On the other hand, Sen. Rick Santorum (R) of Pennsylvania said DeLay "to date, has not been compromised" although he needs to answer questions about his ethics. A spokesman for DeLay said the congressman seeks to get the "facts" out to "dispel the fiction and innuendo" of his critics.

A spring blizzard that dropped nearly a foot of snow in Denver and up to two feet across eastern Colorado, caused most flights in and out of the region to be delayed or canceled Sunday. Thousands of homes lost power, and many motorists hunkered down at truck stops. Above, a car on I-25 in Denver has the snow-buried interstate to itself.

A KLM Royal Dutch Airlines flight was refused entry into US airspace late last week, an airline spokesman told CNN Sunday. The Amsterdam-to-Mexico City flight returned to Amsterdam after the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security raised concerns about two passengers who appeared on a US "no-fly" terrorist watch list.

Tiger Woods ended nearly a three-year drought in professional golf's major championships Sunday with a dramatic, extra-hole victory over Chris DiMarco at the Masters, a victory that Woods dedicated to his ill father. In completing the weather-delayed third round in Augusta, Ga., Woods strung together seven straight birdies, but saw his three-stroke, final-round lead erased despite sinking a chip shot for the ages on the 16th hole. On the first playoff hole, however, he rolled a 15-foot birdie putt into the cup to capture his fourth Masters title.